Method and apparatus for emergency response notification

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention leverage mobile proliferation to enable laypersons to initiate a timely and effective emergency response in case of an emergency, such as a medical emergency, e.g. cardiac event. Mobile apps are made available as part of an organization&#39;s overall response plan and program, allowing bystanders of emergency events to easily initiate notification of trained responders, for example in their facility, in a timely manner commensurate with the type of emergency specific to their facility. More particularly, embodiments of the invention use mobile applications to alert certified first trainees to respond to the scene of the emergency.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/832,691, filed Jun. 7, 2013, and to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/892,836, filed Oct. 18, 2013, each of whichapplication is incorporated herein in its entirety by this referencethereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to responding to emergencies. More particularly,the invention relates to providing alerts to proximate, trainedpersonnel in the event of an emergency, such as a medical emergency.

BACKGROUND

Emergency response is a serious problem. Under such systems as 911, whenseconds count, a responder is at least several minutes away. Consider,for example, cardiac arrest. Each Year 330,000 Americans experiencesudden cardiac death, yet less than 5% of Americans receive CPR trainingannually. The majority of these trainees are health care professionalswho work in controlled medical environments such as hospitals,ambulances, and clinics. However, the majority of cardiac arrests takeplace at work or in the home. While EMS systems have evolved to bringtrained medical professionals to the scene of a medical emergency morerapidly, the optimal window for medical intervention in a cardiac arrestis often too narrow to allow for the timely transport of equipment andskills to the location of the victim.

The probability of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is atleast doubled for victims who receive bystander CPR. In addition,cardiac arrest victims who receive bystander CPR and the benefit of anautomated external defibrillator (AED) that can deliver a shock to theheart within four minutes quadruple their survival with reports ofsurvival between 34-70%.

However, victims receive the benefit of bystander CPR only 7-28% of thetime, and receive the combined benefit of bystander CPR and AEDapplication only 2-3.4% of the time. While researchers and cliniciansunderstand what elements are necessary to improve survival from cardiacarrest, it is as yet not possible to deliver these components to thecardiac arrest victim in a timely fashion.

A major problem in this regard lies in the fact that there isstatistically a very small likelihood that a trained responder ispresent when a cardiac arrest occurs. The bystander, unfamiliar with theemergency medical response, most often does nothing, or merely callsemergency medical services (EMS), i.e. 911.

A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an emotionally daunting event. As such,most laypersons are unwilling to perform unfamiliar tasks, such as AEDand CPR, in public under these emotionally charged circumstances. Thebest EMS response times nationwide are greater than four minutes, andthe average response time is between 8-12 minutes. Thus, trainedpersonnel, and the appropriate equipment (AEDs), arrive at the victim'sside too late to impact survival. This is best understood when oneconsiders that EMS requires a minimum of an additional 2-4 minutes toprocess the a call. EMS obtains information regarding responders andequipment voluntarily and is therefore an incomplete network of bothtrained responders and equipment. EMS has no way to ascertain thecontinued validity of the information initially provided, whichexperientially has been demonstrated to change by 20%/year. Further, EMShas no way to ascertain the operational status of the equipment becauseit does not maintain this information itself. Additionally, EMS has noway to customize the information based on organizational structure, nordoes it have the operational plans and protocols of differentorganizations in the community.

To address this issue, many workplaces have instituted internalemergency response plans and trained workplace personnel in CPR and AED.They have purchased AEDs to be placed at convenient locations throughoutthe workplace. However, the average number of trained personnel in theworkforce averages 2-10% Therefore, victims still do not collapse neartheir trained responders.

The foregoing discussion considers a single type of medical emergency.Yet, there are many types of medical and non-medical emergencies thatrequire prompt and skilled response. It would be advantageous to providean approach that enables prompt notification to elicit early response tosuch emergencies.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention leverage mobile proliferation to enablelaypersons to initiate a timely and effective emergency response in caseof an emergency, such as a medical emergency, e.g. cardiac event. Mobileapplications (APPS) are made available as part of an organization'soverall response plan and program, allowing bystanders of emergencyevents to easily initiate notification of trained responders, specificto their facility. More particularly, embodiments of the invention usemobile applications to alert certified first responders to respond tothe scene of the emergency. Such mobile applications also informcertified first responders of the nearest operational emergencyequipment and can provide specific instructions to the certified firstresponders regarding the emergency and how best to respond.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an organization diagram showing the participants in a tieredresponse system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram a medical emergency response model according tothe invention;

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram showing the main components of anemergency response notification system according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that shows a sequence ofactivities/communications in a medical emergency (ME) according to theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the sequence of operations during anemergency event according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the sequence of operations during anSCA emergency event according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a non-medical emergency response modelaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C are a flow diagrams showing the sequence of operationsduring a non-medical emergency event according to the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D are a series of screenshots showing a workforce evacuationnotification sequence according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of how the role-baseddetails are lifted out of the emergency response protocol andtransmitted to the appropriate role based individual in an emergency,where an electronic site survey generates organization specificemergency response protocols that detail role-based tasks according tothe invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the cancellation of an alert accordingto the invention;

FIGS. 12-17 are screen shots showing various user screens provided bythe APP during an emergency; and

FIG. 18 is a block schematic diagram showing a machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions for causingthe machine to perform one or more of the methodologies discussed hereinmay be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention facilitate the arrival of trained personnelwith the appropriate equipment to aid in an emergency, for example toassist a cardiac arrest victim or other emergency. With the invention,individuals having no training can now alert trained co-workers in theirworkplace to respond immediately in an emergency, e.g. to the victim ofcardiac arrest, via a mobile application that notifies all trainedresponders in the facility via text and email. This allows the untrainedbystander to contribute in a meaningful way in an emergency while notrequiring the bystander to perform an unfamiliar task in public underpressure. Importantly, while 911 can be included as part of the initialnotification, the use of the 911 service is not required to obtain orsend the initial notifications, thus saving important minutes.

Embodiments of the invention include a database that tracks the trainingand certification of all workplace personnel, as well as the date oftheir certification, and whether they have received special responderclasses or other applicable training classes or certifications. Trainedpersonnel are notified by the bystander in order, prioritized, forexample, by the quality of their training and preparation, as defined bythe most recent certification dates, and whether they have received aspecial responder class or other applicable training classes orcertifications.

In the case of a cardiac arrest response, the trainees are tracked bythe completion of CPR, AED, and AED Responder online training modules,and their dates of completion. They are also tracked by the date theydemonstrate skills competence in these classes, as verified by aninstructor. Certification is awarded when both the online trainingmodules and skills competence have been successfully completed.Re-certification is required every two years and each re-certificationdate is maintained in the system. Trainees are also tracked by thecompletion of the AED responder class, and they are awardedcertification upon completion of this class.

The rules engine first looks to the closest facility, then prioritizesby the trainees who have current certification in AED Responder andCPR/AED. Next, it looks to trainees who have current certification inCPR/AED, but not AED Responder. Next, it looks to trainees who havepreviously been certified, but are not currently certified in CPR/AED.Then, it looks to trainees who have previously completed either CPR/AEDskills or the online training programs. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the order of prioritization may be changed and that somesteps may be left out, while other steps may be added, all asappropriate and desired. Further, while this embodiment of the inventionconcerns medical emergencies and, in particular an SCA, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that such rules and prioritization can beapplied as appropriate to any emergency event in which the invention isused.

FIG. 1 is an organization diagram showing the participants in a tieredresponse system according to the invention. In embodiments of theinvention, a four tier emergency response system is established fororganizations. Each tier of the emergency response system has its ownroles and responsibilities. Training specific to the each tier'sresponsibilities is provided, as are the equipment and tools necessaryfor each tier to fulfill their respective roles.

Organization-wide emergency policies and procedures are developed withthe leaders of the organization 11, the first tier. The second tier ofthe system, each facility's program coordinator 12, develops a facilityspecific emergency response plan. The trained responders 13 form thethird tier of the emergency response system, and the fourth tier is thegeneral workforce 14 who is not trained and is targeted by a mobileapplication. An emergency/disaster physician 10 typically oversees theemergency response system in the case of medical emergencies.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is notlimited to medical emergencies and applies as well to other emergencies,such as might occur in the case of a fire, flood, storm, earthquake,terror attack, etc. A key feature of the invention is the bystanderinitiated notification of an emergency for which a response by trainedpersonnel is required and the automatic identification and notificationof such responders on the basis of event-related rules, as well asprioritization of such notifications. This creates and ad hoc networkfor emergency response that is independent of public services, such asthe 911 service. As such, there is no need to operate through anintermediary, such as a central dispatcher. In this way, precious timeis saved. This is especially important in a cardiac arrest because thelikelihood of survival decreases by 10% with each passing minute fromthe moment of collapse. It is estimated that on average, use of aninternal notification system decreases the time to defibrillation from10-12 minutes to 1-3 minutes. If the emergency is a wide ranging event,where a central response system would be overburdened and, as such,subject to limited resources and degraded response times. Embodiments ofthe invention avoid such bottleneck. Nonetheless, embodiments of theinvention are able to create an impromptu, tiered command structurethrough the application of rules and prioritization with regard to thecommunication of notifications. These rules define roles and assessabilities, locate equipment, and the like without the need for a centraldispatch facility.

For example, with regard to non-medical emergencies, each company shouldhave an emergency response plan. Such plans include the concept of whodoes what, in what instances, and when.

For example, at Tier one, incident command, one to three people aredesignated as the incident command, where two of the people are backups.The organization's Emergency Response Plan includes a list of initialtasks that should be immediately completed in case of specificemergencies, for example in a fire. The incident commander's initialresponsibilities include for example, turning off elevators, escalators,shutting down secure areas, calling the Fire Marshall, calling thesecurity team, etc.

Practically speaking, in a private sector emergency, incident commanderstypically, have very little experience with managing emergencies and donot know what their initial tasks are. They somehow need to find theirlong neglected, dusty emergency response plan notebook, written bysomeone else, at some previous time, in a drawer somewhere.

In contrast thereto, with the herein disclosed alert APP, a bystandercan click on, e.g. fire and the incident commander receives a text thatlists all the initial tasks that he is charged with, and a link to hisprotocol or plan.

Tier 2 and, sometimes Tier 3, includes the emergency response team orfloor wardens, which consists of a predetermined number of people perfloor; and/or security, which is variable by company, i.e. differentnames are often used in the middle tier for similar function. At thislevel in the hierarchy, participants receive texts and/or emails thattell them exactly what equipment they should retrieve, where it islocated, and directions to where they should station themselves toassist in the evacuation. Such notifications list the proper steps inevacuating personnel, e.g. links to additional immediately necessaryinformation. Their responsibilities, tasks, and the equipment they needto retrieve information are described in their organization's emergencyresponse policies and procedures, again in a notebook an unknown dustydrawer, and which no one reads, but for which they are responsible. Inembodiments of the invention, the APP extracts the relevant task relatedinformation from the emergency response plan, which is pre-loaded intothe database, and which is accessible by defined fields, and transmitsthis critical information to specific individuals who need it at thetime they need it.

In appropriate emergencies, the general workforce receives instructionsto evacuate, and directions to the nearest evacuation exist, as well asthe location and directions to the assembly point located at a safedistance from their building or facility.

The individuals are pre-configured in the database as to their role,i.e. incident commander, emergency response team, security, generalworkforce, etc. The individuals receive instructions from theirpre-existing emergency response plans (ERPs), and policies, procedures,and protocols according to their role. These instructions are takendirectly from the company's emergency response policies, procedures,protocols and plans, all of which are documents that are stored in thedatabase by templates and fields of unique texts, and which can belifted into the notification text. This information comes directly fromthe database, is collected initially by management applications, and isselected for the particular user using the rules engine.

An important aspect of the invention concerns that fact that eachparticipant in the emergency response system is enabled to communicatewith each other person, and such communications are organized in tiersto implement a command structure spontaneously and in real time. Thus,roles are filled from a pool of candidates based upon their availabilityand also, for example, their proximity, skills, certification, etc.Information within the network of participants is routed, based upon therules and prioritization, to the right person when it is needed. Thus,in addition to defining a tiered organizational structure in real time,the system provides instructions as well. In this way, each individual'srole is reinforced and each individual's skills are augmented. Forexample, the location of each participant in the emergency responsesystem is known from the individual's profile information and/or fromreal time tracking information; each individual's skills andavailability is known; and all emergency equipment in inventory is knownas to its location, capabilities, and operational state.

In embodiments of the invention, a database and rules engine provide aninformation storage and routing facility, although in other embodimentsof the invention such structure and knowledge need not be stored in acentral server or cleared through a central dispatch facility. Rather,the initiation of an alert by a bystander propagates a series ofnotifications through a network of participants, for example, by use ofan APP on their personal wireless device, where all rules andinformation is distributed, with pertinent rules for each individual ontheir device, as well as all profile information that is necessary toinvolve the individual appropriately in the tiered emergency responsestructure. In all embodiments of the invention, the mobile device cancomprise, for example, a smartphone, such as an iPhone, tablet, watch,automotive device, aviation or nautical device, wearable device, such asGoogle Glass, or any other device that is capable of receivingtransmissions.

Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the APP is used independently ofa server, such as the rules engine and database. In such cases, the APPis subject to periodic synching with the database to ensure that thecached information stored in the APP remains current. Further, thedatabase and rule engine can be periodically distributed to or cached onone or more of the handheld devices as a backup if the central system isnot reachable during an emergency. Notifications are then sent directly,to the extent possible, from the bystander's phone.

In some embodiments of the invention, a more comprehensive user profileis collected at time of registration, and the user can inform the systemof any skills, professional license, training, or equipment that theyhave and are willing to share, i.e. there may be people who were nottrained by a specific organization; who are not known to be trained butare, in fact, trained; and/or have capabilities that would enable themto assist in an emergency.

In other embodiments of the invention, the APP is downloaded byworkforce members, or even ordinary people who may or may not be part ofan organization and who, as part of their user profile, potentially wishto share their medical information, i.e. potential patients and/orvictims, so that they can personally initiate an alert, and indicateconsent by a separate button “Share my medical information” with thetrained responders to facilitate care. For example, a workforce membermay be diabetic, and initiate the internal response system by selecting“share my information,” in which case the responders would be notifiedthat he is diabetic and they could bring orange juice or sugar for amore rapid recovery. Other examples of the aspect of the inventioninclude individuals who are allergic to certain foods, e.g. peanuts, ormedications and who, upon feeling symptoms of an allergic reaction,could initiate a call for assistance that can also indicate, forexample, the fact that the individual carries an EpiPen, which theresponder could then find in the individual's purse, etc. Once found,this would allow the individual to be injected. Another example concernssomeone who has a pacemaker or an internal defibrillator that they cantell is malfunctioning. In such case, they can send out a notificationand receive immediate assistance. In the foregoing embodiments, rulesare applied to identify an individual having known disabilities, asspecified during the individual's registration, and a pre-configureddistress signal is issued during, for example, an evacuation, withspecific instructions for the trained responder, and directions to thenearest appropriate equipment based upon the disability, to assist theindividual with equipment necessary to ensure that they are able toevacuate the individual.

In an embodiment of the invention, the general workforce is provided anoverview of the organization's emergency response program. The overviewprovides the workforce with the knowledge that the organization hasemergency response resources in its facilities, that there are trainedresponders, that there is an internal emergency response system, andthat they play an important role in the system, i.e. to activate thesystem to bring trained responders to the scene of the emergency.

The emergency response program can pertain to a building, a campus, atown, or any other facility or organization. The program can include,for example, predetermined assembly areas at which individuals are togather in the event of an emergency. Embodiments of the invention allowindividuals to be tracked and located, or to send out distress messages.In this way, those individuals who did not successfully escape can beassisted.

For example, upon notification of the need to evacuate and instructionsand/or directions on where their closest evacuation point and assemblyarea is located, a member of the general workforce, is provided withthree successive buttons that appear on their APP:

First, a button is provided that instructs the member: “Press to confirmthat you have received the evacuation notification;”

Next, a button is provided that instructs the member: “Press to confirmthat you have evacuated out of the building;” and

Next, a button is provided that instructs the member: “Press to confirmthat you have reached the assembly area.”

A button stays on the screen that instructs the member: “Press toindicate that you are having difficulties evacuating,” and a text fieldis provided to allow the participant to tell Incident Command (IC) whatproblems they are having and where they are located.

A report is constantly updated based on individuals confirming theirevacuation, or lack thereof. The report is available to the IC anddistributable by regions to the responsible ERT or security teams.Ideally, in companies that have security upon entering the building, theinitial list of individuals inside in the structure is updated withthose that have successfully evacuated, and special alerts are sent toICs and ERT/security for individuals who are having difficultyevacuating and need assistance.

The mobile application (“APP”) 16 empowers lay bystanders to play acritical yet simple role in the organization's emergency response systemand provides them the tool with which to participate. The mobileapplication allows the bystander to initiate the facility's emergencyresponse plan more rapidly by yelling out for help in the mannerdescribed in the emergency response plan, such as yelling out for helpor using the nearest squawk box. Next, the APP instructs the laybystander to notify trained workplace personnel via the mobile APP.Next, the APP instructs the lay bystander to initiate a call to 911, orthe APP directly calls 911 by presenting the user with a button thatsays “Press to call 911.” Once the button is pressed, the APP opens thephone function and places the call. The mobile APP continues to followthe originally prescribed emergency response plan, but facilitates themore rapid arrival of trained responders. The mobile APP also provides amechanism with which to simulate, for example, an SCA, with its drillfunction.

Medical Emergencies—Emergency Response Notification System

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram a medical emergency response model according tothe invention, in which the relationship between the general workforce,emergency response team and emergency medical services is shown. Theflow in this model is discussed in detail below.

FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram showing the main components of anemergency response notification system according to the invention. Thesecomponents include a database 20 that stores data acquired throughmanagement applications; a rules engine 22, including a learningmanagement system (“LMS”) that acquires and hierarchically stores rawdata and that analyzes the data based on rules; a multi-mode,multi-dimensional communications, and two-way messaging andcommunication system 24, including emails, an SMS gateway 25, telephoneand intelligent communications to provide progressive levels ofintelligence, analyzed information, and compiled information that isdynamically driven by the rules engine, and including a mechanism forsending and receiving both human-to-human and technology generatedintelligence, e.g. two-way communications and content between systemparticipants, such as an alert initiator 27 and an alert responder 23;Web services 26 which communicate via the Internet 21, includingbusiness logic that performs functions directly on the database,initiates communications, provides analysis, and compiles reports; amobile application 16 that provides an access point to the system and/oruser interface; and geo-location capabilities 29.

Data stored in the database includes, for example:

-   -   1. Name of all individuals who have downloaded the APP,        including their organization, their specific facility        (location), their email address; and a cell phone number;    -   2. Name of all trained responders, including their organization,        their specific facility (location), their email address; a cell        phone number, and the date of their most recent certifications,        e.g. CPR/AED certification, AED responder certification, first        aid certification, and the date of their most recent training,        if they are not certified. Such information can also include the        responder's role within a tiered emergency response organization        and the specific emergency type for which they are to receive        notification.    -   3. Location of emergency equipment, such as AEDs by        organization, facility, address, location in facility, e.g.        floor, and specific description of location, such as 9^(th)        floor elevator South, and GPS coordinates; date of last        successful maintenance; and date of expiration for critical        equipment, components, supplies, and medication that require        routine replacement due to their age and/or expiration date.    -   4. Location of first aid, medical kits, oxygen, blood borne        pathogen (BBP) kits by organization, facility, address, location        in facility, e.g. floor, and specific description of location,        such as 9^(th) floor elevator South, and GPS coordinates; date        of last successful maintenance; and date of expiration for        supplies, equipment, and critical equipment, components,        supplies, and medication that require routine replacement due to        their age and/or expiration date.    -   5. Location of event initiated by APP by address, specific        descriptive location, and, GPS.    -   6. Name(s) of designated Incident Control Commander(s) (IC),        including their organization; their specific facility, address,        GPS (location); email address; cell phone; and competence level,        e.g. they can they make secondary decisions to initiate variable        protocols and/or rely on preconfigured content, based on        experience, training, using rules.    -   7. Name of designated Team Leaders, Security (Modified        structures/designations) (TL), including their organization;        their specific facility, address GPS (location); email address;        cell phone; date of most recent CPR/AED certification; date of        most recent AED Responder certification; date of most recent        First Aid certification; date of most recent Evacuation        Leadership training, or other pre-configured training        requirements; date of most recent Incident Command (or other        relevant) training; duration of service; and previous        experience.    -   8. Name of all workforce personnel (WF), including their        organization; their specific facility, address, GPS (location);        email address; and cell phone.    -   9. Location of other Medical Emergency Equipment First Aid,        Medical Kits, Oxygen, BBP kits, and other relevant supplies        and/or equipment, including by organization; by facility; by        address; by location in facility, e.g. floor, and specific        description of location, such as 9^(th) floor elevator South; by        GPS coordinates; date of last successful maintenance; and date        of pad and battery, medication expiration, AED's or other        medical equipment or expirable supplies.    -   10. Location of non-emergency equipment and emergency equipment,        such as fire extinguishers, evacuation equipment for personnel        with disabilities, radios, walkie talkies, megaphones, vests,        flags, etc., including by organization; by facility; by address;        by location in facility, e.g. floor, and specific description of        location, such as 9^(th) floor elevator South; by GPS        coordinates; and date of last successful maintenance.    -   11. Geo-location of boundaries of facility.    -   12. Geo-location of assembly area.    -   13. Dynamically generated geo-mapping and/or other technology        for location of cell phones of workforce during emergency.    -   14. Comparison of security data of personnel location vs.        confirmed evacuees and/or location of cell phones of workforce        during emergency.        Rules

Rules can be implemented based on a pre-configured designation or theycan be implemented dynamically.

Pre-configured rules are, for example, where an individual registers forthe APP in the Boston Facility, an emergency notification is initiatedin the Boston Facility and the database sends notifications to trainedresponders in the Boston facility, along with instructions about thelocation and operational status of AEDs in the Boston facility.

Dynamic rules are, for example, where the individual who is registeredin Boston initiates an alert while in Maryland, as determined by GPS andaddress location applications, and the rules engine modifies its searchdynamically for equipment and responders based on the individual'sactual location. In this case, location can be accomplished by acoordinate mapping of the facility interpreted into addresses using GPSand address location applications, where the rules engine modifies itssearch for equipment and responders based on the individual's actuallocation.

Further, such rules can include the individual's role within a tieredorganizational structure. In such case, the rules establish appropriaterouting and chain-of-command to establish an ad hoc emergency responseorganization in real time.

For example, if the primary Incident Commander does not respond to theinitial notification because, for example, he is out of town at aconference or sick, the rules engine notifies the first back-up incidentcommander and, if no response is received, then contacts the nextback-up incident commander. The individual who first confirms ICnotification receives a follow up text and/or email with an initial tasklist to perform and links to additional information that may be needed.

Organizations designate certain individuals as their ERT members orfloor wardens and provide training to them. It is not known which ofthese workers are available on the day and time they are needed. Therules engine continues to search for appropriate responders, prioritizedby training, experience, and location based on pre-configured data. Aseach potential responder confirms receipt, the responder is providedwith the next series of tasks that needs to be performed on a per flooror per facility basis. For example, if the assignment to assist in theevacuation of the general workforce, then the first responder to confirmis sent to the primary exit door on the floor to shuttle the workforceout the appropriate exit door; the next responder is sent to theappropriate evacuation door from the building to continue exiting theworkforce from the building; the third responder is located at theground level to shuttle the workforce out of the building; and a fourthresponder leads the evacuated workforce to the assembly area, etc.Security can be sent to assist distress calls that are routed throughincident command (IC).

Process Flow

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that shows a sequence ofactivities/communications in a medical emergency (ME) according to theinvention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventionis readily applicable to other types of emergency.

As shown in FIG. 4, a bystander of an ME (100), in this case an SCA,initiates the emergency response notification system via a mobileapplication (102) by accessing and using the APP on a phone, tablet,etc. The bystander communicates with the APP and can enter the specificlocation of the ME within the facility, e.g. 3^(rd) floor bathroom, byany form of information entry, such as typing, voice, etc.

As discussed above, the APP exchanges information via a communicationsystem and Web service to access and interact with a rules engine anddatabase. Information that is input by the bystander, e.g. via acellular service, WIFI, and/or other system, is transmitted via the Webservice to the rules engine and database.

In embodiments of the invention, a secondary screen displays, forexample, a drop down or other menu that allows the bystander to select,for example the type of medical emergency, e.g. SCA. The selection ofpre-configured types of medical emergencies shown on the displayprovides the bystander with a text description of each medicalemergency, and thus facilitates an early assessment of the situation.

In embodiments of the invention, the bystander can also place a call toa service, such as 911, by calling 911 directly from the APP. Asdiscussed above, the APP exchanges information via a communicationsystem to access and, to the extent possible, interact with the 911service. Where supported by the 911 service, information that is inputby the bystander, e.g. via a cellular service, WIFI, and/or othersystem, is transmitted to the 911 service.

Responsive to the notification, the bystander of the ME receives anoptional instruction to initiate first aid or resuscitation or otherassistance as specified on the APP (104).

The APP receives a message that asks the bystander if there is anemergency (106). In this case there is an emergency, an SCA, as notedabove. If the bystander is seeking information, but not providingnotification of an emergency, the bystander can select the “No” buttonon the APP, in which case the bystander is provided with training links,(108) and can choose, as well, to receive further information inconnection with such training (110).

In the bystander selects the “Yes” button on the APP, indicating thatthere is an emergency, the bystander may be alerted to yell out than anME has occurred (109), e.g. “Medical emergency, we need an AEDresponder!” Embodiments of the invention contemplate using the systemfor preparedness training. Thus, the APP provides a drill options switch(111) for executing practice sessions. The scope of the drills can beestablished as desired (112), e.g. facility-wide or classroom drills.Drills can be coded to include only designated individuals, i.e. thosein a specific class; or they can be non-coded, in which case all of theresponders in the facility are notified of the drill.

In this example above, the ME is not a drill and the APP provides asimple dialog to the bystander to provide location information to thesystem such that trained responders can be located (114). Responsivethereto, the Web service runs a rule-driven query of rules engine anddatabase that compares the location of event to that of a nearestfacility having trained responders. The system locates nearest trainedresponders in the facility and prioritizes notification of the trainedresponders by applying rules that determine the level and type oftraining and competence required of the trained responder, as well asthe proximity of the trained responder to the event. The system alsolocates the nearest appropriate equipment for the ME, such as AEDs andother medical equipment in the case of an SCA. The location of suchequipment is prioritized by rules that evaluate the proximity of theequipment to the event, as well as the operational status of theequipment, e.g. if it has been recently serviced and is operable.

The bystander is also asked if the 911 service has been called (116). Ifthe bystander responds with “Yes,” then the bystander is asked if the911 service is being called by a person other than the bystander (118),e.g. if “Yes,” press the purple button. If the bystander responds with“No,” the 911 service has not been called then the bystander isinstructed to call the 911 service (120), e.g. press the green button tocall the 911 service and proceed to the next screen.

Responsive thereto, a message containing specific information is sent toselected trained responders. In such case, the rules engine and databasegenerate the message and the specific location of event within thefacility is communicated to the selected trained responders withinstructions to respond, prioritized by the trained responder'straining, competency, and proximity rules. Embodiments of the inventionalso send the cell phone number of the bystander to the trainedresponder.

One or more messages are sent to the bystander indicating how manytrained responders have been notified, e.g. to provide the bystanderwith peace of mind. In this case, the rules engine and database generatethe message and the communications system sends the message to thebystander.

If no responders are available, a message sent to the bystanderidentifying the location of the nearest appropriate equipment, e.g.AEDs, prioritized by functionality rules. In this case, the rules engineand database generate the message and the communications system sendsthe message to the bystander.

The trained responders respond to the alert text with a confirmationmessage that communicates to the database via Web service indicatingthat they are responding. The message generates the geo-location of thetrained responder.

One or more additional messages are sent to the bystander. Thus, as eachtrained responder responds to the alert, indicating whether the trainedresponder is coming or not coming to assist, the bystander receives suchmessages, e.g. for the bystander's peace of mind and to indicate thathelp is on the way. In such case, the rules engine and database generatethe message and the communications system sends the message to thebystander.

One or more additional messages are sent to the trained responders.After the trained responders respond to the alert indicating they arecoming to assist, the en route trained responders receive a messagecontaining the location of the nearest operational emergency equipment,such as AEDs. In such case, the rules engine and database generate amessage indicating the location of nearest functioning emergencyequipment and the communications system sends the message indicating thelocation of nearest operational emergency equipment to trainedresponders who are en route.

In embodiments of the invention, the bystander records the time ofarrival of the first trained responder via the APP, which then uses theWeb service to record such data in the database. The bystander alsorecords the time that emergency equipment and supplies are provided viathe APP, which again uses the Web service to record such data in thedatabase. Further, the bystander also records such other events as EMSarrival via the APP, which again uses the Web service to record suchdata in the database.

Embodiments of the invention provide emergency response data tracking,which documents the elapsed time from collapse to arrival of a firstresponder.

Embodiments of the invention allow the bystander to cancel the alert (asdiscussed above).

Embodiments of the invention allow a trained responder to communicate tobystander that they are on the way to provide assistance. As well,responders can communicate with each other, for example, where animpromptu, tiered emergency response is established to manage theresponse effort.

Database

All communications are logged in the database, and there is a report foreach incident. Aggregate reports can be generated across multipleincidents. Information captured in the database includes, for example:

-   -   1. Date, time, and GPS location of the alert;    -   2. Who initiated the alert, by cell phone and GPS location;    -   3. Who is notified of the alert, by cell phone number;    -   4. Date and time of the notification;    -   5. Who responds to the notification, by cell phone number and        GPS location;    -   6. Date and time that emergency equipment location information        is sent to each responder via the communication system;    -   7. Date and time of notification of responding trained responder        and geo-location of the trained responder at the time the        confirming notification is sent;    -   8. Date and time of arrival of the first trained responder;    -   9. Date and time that the emergency equipment is placed in use,        e.g. when an AED is attached;    -   10. Date and time of EMS arrival;    -   11. Date and time of alert and type of emergency;    -   12. Who initiated alert by cell phone;    -   13. Date and time that each IC was notified and confirmed        notification;    -   14. Date and time that each TL notified and confirmed        notification;    -   15. Date and time that each WF notified;    -   16. Date and time each IC, TL, and/or WF responded that they        received initial notification;    -   17. Date and time that each WF confirmed notification received,        successful evacuation, and successfully reached assembly area is        confirmed;    -   18. Date and time and GPS of all “failure to evacuate” or        “distress” messages;    -   19. Date and time and content of each ongoing communication by        text between IC, TL, and/or WF and content of text and/or email        communication; and    -   20. Date and time of EMS, fire, and/or police arrival by IC.        Sequence of Operations

The foregoing is illustrated in FIG. 5, which is a flow diagram showingthe sequence of operations during an emergency event according to theinvention. In FIG. 5:

Step 1. Bystander of emergency, such as a medical emergency (ME),initiates emergency response notification system via mobile application(“APP”):

-   -   1A: Bystander to APP—bystander of ME emergency initiates        emergency response notification system via APP by accessing and        using App on phone, tablet, etc.; bystander communicates        (type/vocal input) to APP the specific location within the        facility, e.g. 3^(rd) floor bathroom); and    -   1B: APP to communication system;    -   1C: Communication system to Web service; and    -   1D: Web service to rules engine/database—Data inputted by        bystander, via cellular service, WIFI, etc., transmitted via Web        service to rules engine/database.

Step 2. Bystander to 911—bystander of ME calls 911 directly from APP:

-   -   2A: Bystander to APP;    -   2B: APP to communication system; and    -   2C: Communication system to 911;

Step 3. App to bystander—bystander of ME receives optional instructionto initiate first aid or resuscitation or other assistance as specifiedon the APP.

Step 4. Web service to rules engine/database—Web service runsrule-driven query of rules engine/database. This query includes:

-   -   a. Comparing location of event to nearest facility having        trained responders;    -   b. Locating nearest trained responders in facility;    -   c. Prioritizing notification of the trained responders by rules        that determine the level and type of training, competence,        proximity;    -   d. Locating nearest emergency equipment, e.g. AEDs/medical        equipment; and    -   e. Prioritizing by rules that evaluate proximity to the event,        and emergency equipment functionality.

Step 5. Message containing specific information sent to select trainedresponders:

-   -   5A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   5B Communications system to trained responders—Communications        system communicates the following information to selected        trained responders: The specific location of event within the        facility with instructions to respond prioritized by trained        responder training, competency and proximity rules.

Step 6. Message sent to bystander informing them how many trainedresponders have been notified):

-   -   6A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   6B: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends message to bystander.

If no responders are available, a message is sent to bystander informingthe bystander of the location of the nearest emergency equipmentprioritized by functionality rules:

-   -   6C: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   6D: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends message to bystander.

Step 7. Trained responder responds—Trained responders respond to thealert text with a confirmation message that communicates to database viathe Web service indicating that they are responding. Message generatesgeo-location of the trained responder:

-   -   7A: Trained responder to communication system;    -   7B: Communication system to Web service; and    -   7C: Web service to rules engine/database.

Step 8. Messages sent to bystander—As each trained responder responds tothe alert, indicating that the trained responder is coming or not comingto assist, the bystander receives messages:

-   -   8A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   8B: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends message to bystander.

Step 9. Messages sent to trained responders—After a trained responderresponds to the alert indicating they are coming, the en route trainedresponders receive a message containing location of nearest operationalemergency equipment:

-   -   9A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message indicating location of nearest        functioning emergency equipment; and    -   9B: Communications system to trained responders—Communications        system sends a message indicating the location of nearest        operational emergency equipment trained responders who are en        route.

Step 10. Bystander to APP—bystander records time of arrival of firsttrained responder via the APP which uses the Web service to record datain database:

-   -   10A: Bystander to APP;    -   10B: APP to Web service; and    -   10C: Web service to database.

Step 11. Bystander to APP—bystander records time that emergencyequipment and supplies re provided via the APP which uses Web service torecord data in the database:

-   -   11A: Bystander to APP;    -   11B: APP to Web service; and    -   11C: Web service to database.

Step 12. Bystander to APP—bystander records EMS arrival via APP whichuses the Web service to record data in the database:

-   -   12A: Bystander to APP;    -   12B: APP to Web service; and    -   12C: Web service to database.        Content

In embodiments of the invention, content that is communicated amongstthe participants can include, for example, specific written instructionson actions to perform; graphic representations, i.e. of actions toperform, video, voice, and graphics; use of voice commands/technology,such as SIRI to provide instructions and/or content; and multi-lingualcapabilities. For example, this invention can be used with any languageincluding, for example, Chinese, Japanese, etc. with which the databaseis compatible.

In embodiments of the invention, participants receive content, basedupon their role, that includes:

ICs: Based on company-established level of responsibility, company-basedemergency response policies and procedures, and other instructivecompany established documents and protocols:

-   -   Initial procedures, e.g. turn off elevators and escalators, lock        certain doors, contact specific authorities inside and outside        of company;    -   Option to initiate variable protocols based by type of        emergency, including primary and secondary emergencies, medical        emergencies, non-medical, emergencies, etc.; and    -   Ongoing communications.    -   TLs or other designees, such as security: Based on company        [established level of responsibility, company-based emergency        response policies and procedures of company, and other        instructive company established documents and protocols:    -   Initial procedures, e.g. get radio, vest, megaphone, and/or        flag, and go to pre-assigned location to assist evacuation; and    -   Ongoing communications.

WF: Based on emergency response policies and procedures of company andlevel of complexity (described below):

-   -   Simple notification text instruction to evacuate and location of        assembly area;    -   Text indicating location of nearest exit based on their        pre-configured location and assembly area;    -   Graphic of evacuation route for their pre-configured location        and assembly area;    -   GPS or other technology driven instructions to nearest exit and        to assembly point based on their dynamic location; and    -   Bluetooth or wireless or other frequency transmitter driven        instructions to nearest exit and to assembly point.        Drill Functions

As discussed above, drill functions can be performed to prepareparticipants for an emergency. Drill codes allow selection of an ad hocgroup of participants, independent of organization or geographicboundaries. At the start of a drill, all participants are given a sharedcode, which each person enters at about the same time into his handhelddevice. This code therefore defines the group of participants. Drillcodes automatically expire after a fixed time, e.g. the duration of adrill, so that they can re-used in the future. When a drill incident isinitiated, only the participants in the pool with valid, unexpired drillcodes are alerted. Using drill codes during responder classes allows theemergency response system to be used across organizational barriers orgeography.

A drill simulates an emergency and helps assess the adequacy ofemergency response in the facility and/or organization and to allowrepetitive practice, which enhances the quality and reduces the time tocarry out the response with increased familiarity. The instructor forthe drill enters drill code as initiator of the drill. Students,responders, and personnel attending the class enter drill code asresponders. Only those individuals who have entered the drill codereceive the communications during the drill. All messaging begins with anotification that is received via the APP, such as MEDICALDRILL/EMERGENCY DRILL.

Spontaneous drills, i.e. drills that do not have drill codes, may alsobe held to test the system and response abilities of a facility and toempower the workforce by practicing for an emergency. In such cases, allresponders receive all communications and all messaging begins with anotification that is received via the APP, such as MEDICALDRILL/EMERGENCY DRILL. The instructor or other authorized person cancancel the alert at any time via the APP.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (“SCA”) Emergency Response Notification System

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the sequence of operations during anSCA emergency event according to the invention. The system for suchapplication is architecturally similar to the discussed above for ageneric emergency event, for example as discussed in connection withFIGS. 1 and 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that somevariations, all within their skill, may be made as appropriate toimplement this embodiment of the invention.

Database

In addition to that data stored in connection with a generic emergencyresponse system, as described above, data stored in database for thisembodiment of the invention also includes the location of AEDs byorganization, facility, address, and location in facility, such asfloor, and a specific description of location, e.g. 9^(th) floorelevator South; GPS coordinates; date of last successful maintenance;and date of pad and battery expiration.

All communications are logged in the database and there is a report foreach incident. Aggregate reports are generated across multiple incidentsand include, for example:

-   -   1. Date, time, and GPS location of the alert;    -   2. Who initiated the alert, by cell phone and GPS location;    -   3. Who is notified of the alert, by cell phone number;    -   4. Date and time of notification;    -   5. Who responds to the alert, by cell phone number and GPS        location;    -   6. Date and time that information regarding AED locations is        sent to each responder via the communication system;    -   7. Date and time of notification of responding, using GPS if        responder had APP;    -   8. Date and time of arrival of first trained responder;    -   9. Date and time that an AED is attached; and    -   10. Date and time of EMS arrival.        Sequence of Activities/Communications in an SCA Emergency

In FIG. 6:

Step 1. bystander of SCA emergency initiates emergency responsenotification system via mobile application (“APP”):

-   -   1A: bystander to APP—bystander of SCA emergency initiates        emergency response notification system via APP by accessing and        using the App on a phone, tablet, etc.; the bystander        communicates to APP, for example by typing or voice input, the        specific location within the facility, e.g. 3^(rd) floor        bathroom;    -   1B: APP to communication system;    -   1C: Communication system to Web service; and    -   1D: Web service to rules engine/database—Data input by the        bystander, e.g. via a cellular service, WIFI, etc. is        transmitted via the Web service to the rules engine/database.

Step 2. bystander to 911—bystander of SCA calls 911 directly from theAPP:

-   -   2A: bystander to APP;    -   2B: APP to communication system; and    -   2C: Communication system to 911.

Step 3. App to bystander—bystander of SCA receives optional instructionsto initiate resuscitation on the victim via APP.

Step 4. Web service to rules engine/database—The Web service runs arule-driven query of rules engine/database. This query includes, forexample:

-   -   a. Comparing location of event to nearest facility having        trained responders;    -   b. Locating nearest trained responders in facility;    -   c. Prioritizing notification of the trained responders by rules        that determine the level and type of training, competence,        proximity;    -   d. Locating nearest AEDs; and    -   e. Prioritizing by rules that evaluate proximity to the event,        and AED functionality.

Step 5. A message containing specific information is sent to selectedtrained responders:

-   -   5A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   5B Communications system to trained responders—Communications        system communicates the following information to selected        trained responders: The specific location of event within the        facility with instructions to respond prioritized by trained        responder training, competency and proximity rules.

Step 6. Messages sent to the bystander informing the bystander how manytrained responders have been notified:

-   -   6A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   6B: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends a message to the bystander.

If no responders are available, a message sent to the bystanderinforming the bystander of the location of the nearest AEDs, prioritizedby functionality rules:

-   -   6C: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message; and    -   6D: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends the message to bystander.

Step 7. Trained responder responds—Trained responders respond to thealert text with a confirmation message that communicates to the databasevia the Web service indicating that they are responding. The messagegenerates a geo-location of the trained responder:

-   -   7A: Trained responder to communication system;    -   7B: Communication system to Web service; and    -   7C: Web service to rules engine/database.

Step 8. Messages sent to the bystander—As each trained responderresponds to the alert, indicating whether the bystander is coming or notcoming to assist, the bystander receives messages:

-   -   8A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates the message; and    -   8B: Communications system to bystander—Communications system        sends the message to bystander.

Step 9. Messages sent to trained responders—After a trained responderresponds to the alert indicating that the trained responder is coming toassist, the en route trained responders receive a message containing thelocation of nearest functional AEDs:

-   -   9A: Rules engine/database to communications system—Rules        engine/database generates message indicating location of nearest        functioning AEDs; and    -   [9B: Communications system to trained responders—Communications        system sends a message indicating the location of the nearest        functioning AEDs to the trained responders who are en route.

Step 10. bystander to APP—bystander records time of arrival of firsttrained responder via the APP, which uses the Web service to record datain the database:

-   -   10A: bystander to APP;    -   10B: APP to Web service; and    -   10C: Web service to database.

Step 11. bystander to APP—bystander records time that the AED isattached via the APP, which uses the Web service to record data in thedatabase:

-   -   11A: bystander to APP;    -   11B: APP to Web service; and    -   11C: Web service to database.

Step 12. bystander to APP—bystander records EMS arrival via the APP,which uses the Web service to record data in the database:

-   -   12A: bystander to APP;    -   12B: APP to Web service; and    -   12C: Web service to database.        Sequence of Activities/Communications in a Non-Medical Emergency        (NME)

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a non-medical emergency response modelaccording to the invention, in which the relationship between thegeneral workforce, floor wardens and/or emergency response team,security staff, and incident coordinator is shown. This model isdiscussed in detail below.

FIGS. 8A-8C are a flow diagrams showing the sequence of operationsduring a non-medical emergency event according to the invention.

In FIGS. 8A-8C:

Step 1. Bystander of NME initiates emergency response notificationsystem via mobile application (APP):

-   -   1A: Bystander to APP—bystander of NME emergency initiates        emergency response notification system via APP by accessing and        using APP on phone, tablet, etc.; Bystander communicates        (type/vocal input) to APP the specific location within the        facility, e.g. 3^(rd) floor bathroom;    -   1B: APP to communication system;    -   1C: Communication system to Web-service;    -   1D: Web-service to rules engine/database—Data inputted by        bystander via cellular service, WIFI, and/or other is        transmitted via the Web-service to the rules engine/database:        -   a. Secondary screen allows selection between medical and            non-medical emergencies; or        -   b. Secondary screen uses drop down screen to select type of            medical or non-medical emergency; and/or        -   c. Permits text description of emergency.

Step 2. Bystander to 911—Bystander of NME calls 911 directly from APP:

-   -   2A: Bystander to APP;    -   2B: APP to communication system; and    -   2C: Communication system to 911.

Step 3. App to Bystander—Bystander of NME receives optional instructionto assist in emergency based on type of emergency and competence level,i.e. nearest fire extinguisher with instructions on how to use it ifthere is a small fire.

Step 4. Web-service to Rules Engine/Database—Web-service runs arule-driven query of the rules engine/database. This query includes:

-   -   Comparing location of event;    -   Identifying IC, TL, and/or WF for facility;    -   Selecting communications and content based on defined roles,        i.e. IC, TL, WF;    -   Identifying nearest facility with trained responders;    -   Prioritizing notification of personnel by roles;    -   Locating nearest required equipment based on designated roles,        type of emergency, and availability of equipment by designated        geographic area; locating nearest AEDs/medical equipment;    -   Prioritizing by rules that evaluate proximity to event and        AED/medical; and    -   Prioritizing by rules that evaluate type of emergency, proximity        to event, and equipment functionality.

Step 5. Message containing specific information sent to IC:

-   -   5A: Rules Engine/Database to Communications System—Rules        Engine/database to communications system generates message; and    -   5B: Communications System to IC—Communications system to IC        communicates the following information: notification of        emergency, location, and type of emergency with instructions for        completing initial pre-configured series of actions and to        confirm receipt of notification.

Step 6. Message containing specific information sent to TL:

-   -   6A: Rules Engine/Database to Communications System—Rules        engine/database to communications system generates message; and    -   6B: Communications System to TL—Communications system to TL        communicates the following information: notification of        emergency, location, and type of emergency with instructions for        completing initial pre-configured series of actions and to        confirm receipt of notification, including to retrieve        equipment, supplies, assume proper location, assist with        evacuation, and confirm receipt of notification. In addition,        report initial and ongoing problems to IC. Variable content for        initial instructions includes ongoing communications, e.g. Doug        is unable to evacuate, because he is trapped under bookshelf        that fell; Mary needs a disability stair chair to exit; there is        a secondary fire in the hallway near the 3^(rd) floor bathroom;        etc.

Step 7. Message containing specific information sent to WF:

-   -   7A: Rules Engine/Database to Communications System—Rules        engine/database to communications system generates message; and    -   7B: Communications System to WF—Communications system to WF        communicates the need to initiate evacuation procedures        including location and/or directions to nearest evacuation exit        from their location, and assembly point address, and to confirm        receipt of notification. This can include variable quantity and        quality of content; and use of variable technologies to assist        with locating exits, such as Bluetooth or wireless transmitter        technology to assist WF to reach evacuation exit rapidly. The        message includes instructions to respond to alert text with        notification that they have evacuated and reached assembly        point.

Step 8. IC to APP to Communication System to Web-Service to RulesEngine/Database, where IC responds to the alert text, with communicationto database via the Web-service indicating that they are assumingcommand, and if IC does not respond, an alternate pre-designatedauthority is notified:

-   -   8A: IC to APP—IC responds to the alert text, with communication        to database via web-service indicating that they are assuming        command;    -   8B: APP to Communication System;    -   8C: Communication System to Web-Service; and    -   8D: Web-Service to Rules Engine/Database—Data inputted by IC via        cellular service, WIFI, and/or other is transmitted via the        Web-service to the rules engine/database.

Step 9. TL to APP to Communication System to Web-Service to RulesEngine/Database. TLs respond to the alert text with communication todatabase via the Web-service, indicating that they are responding andassuming their responsibilities. If no response, the IC assesses theneed for additional personnel notification:

-   -   9A: TL to APP—TLs respond to the alert text with communication        to database via the Web-service, indicating that they are        responding and assuming their responsibilities;    -   9B: APP to Communication System;    -   9C: Communication System to Web-Service; and    -   9D: Web-Service to Rules Engine/Database—Data inputted by IC via        cellular service, WIFI, and/or other) is transmitted via the        Web-service to the rules engine/database.

Step 10. WF to APP to Communication System to Web-Service to RulesEngine/Database. WF responds to the alert text with communication to thedatabase via Web-service, indicating that they have receivednotification:

-   -   10A(1): WF to APP—WF responds to the alert text with        communication to database via the Web-service, indicating that        they have received notification;    -   10B(1): APP to Communication System;    -   10C(1): Communication System to Web-Service; and    -   10D(1): Web-Service to Rules Engine/Database—Data inputted by IC        via cellular service, WIFI, and/or other is transmitted via the        Web-service to the rules engine/database. WF clicks notification        on evacuation screen that they have successfully evacuated.    -   10A(2): WF to APP—WF clicks notification on evacuation screen        that they have successfully evacuated;    -   10B(2): APP to Communication System;    -   10C(2): Communication System to Web-Service; and    -   10D(2): Web-Service to Rules Engine/Database—Data inputted by IC        via cellular service, WIFI, and/or other is transmitted via the        Web-service to the rules engine/database. WF clicks notification        on assembly screen that they have successfully arrived at        assembly point.    -   10A(3): WF to APP—WF clicks notification on assembly screen that        they have successfully arrived at assembly point;    -   10B(3): APP to Communication System;    -   10C(3): Communication System to Web-Service; and    -   10D(3): Web-Service to Rules Engine/Database—Data inputted by IC        via cellular service, WIFI, and/or other is transmitted via the        Web-service to the rules engine/database.

Step 11. RE to IC: Database/rules engine generates communication to ICproviding continuously updated and/or compiled report of personnel whohave successfully evacuated and reached assembly point, including acontinuously updated report of all personnel who have confirmed receiptof notified of emergency and their GPS location, a continuously updatedreport of all personnel who have provided notification of evacuation andtheir GPS location, and a continuously updated report of all personnelwho have provided notification of arriving at the assembly area andtheir GPS location.

Step 12. IC to APP to Communication System to Web Service to RulesEngine/Database: IC indicating time of arrival of each EMS/Fire/Policearrival.

Step 13. IC to APP to Communication System to Web Service to RulesEngine/Database: IC requests APP geo-locate location of all personnel.

Step 14. Database/Rules engine to Communication System: Dynamicallygenerated map of cellphones locating personnel who have not evacuated asper GPS coordinates within the facility and require assistance.

Step 15. Ongoing communication between ICs, TLs, and WF: Ongoingcommunication between ICs, TLs, and WF including requests forassistance; identification of injuries, e.g. Joe broke leg from fallingdebris, Doug had a heart attack, Sam sustains major bleed from fallingglass; identification of secondary emergencies, e.g. fire followingearthquake, do something on the chart that indicates all the way acrossthe IC, WF, TL, and people ongoing communications.

Workforce Evacuation Notification

FIGS. 9A-9D area series of screenshots showing a workforce evacuationnotification sequence according to the invention, which an individualuses the APP to send a notification that they have received theevacuation notification (FIG. 9A), that they have exited the building(FIG. 9B), and that they have arrived at their pre-designated assemblypoint (FIG. 9C); or that they are in distress (FIG. 9D).

Embodiments of the invention identify evacuation exits with atransmitted signal to direct workforce members to a nearest evacuationexit. The signal can comprise any one or more of a Wi-Fi-based IPaddresses, Bluetooth, radio, satellite, pre-placed transmissionequipment proximate to said exits, Wi-Fi-based signals transmitted fromexit doors at said exits. Wi-Fi signals from a nearest router.

Embodiments of the invention locate non-evacuating personnel with atransmitted signal. The signal can comprise any one or more ofWi-Fi-based IP addresses, Bluetooth, radio, satellite, pre-placedtransmission equipment proximate to said exits, Wi-Fi-based signalstransmitted from exit doors at said exits, Wi-Fi signals from a nearestrouter. In embodiments of the invention, the signal includesinstructions in any of text and graphic format to said non-evacuatingpersonnel directing them to a nearest exit. Notifications can includeany one or more of text, graphics, voice, and visual dynamic directions,such as GPS directions (WAZE).

In embodiments of the invention, location information can be determinedfrom, for example, the elevation component of GPS, where the height ofeach floor is pre-calculated to locate the individual by floor. Locationinformation can also be determined from the APP using the proximity ofthe phone signal to the IP of the routers in the facility; using theproximity of the phone signal to the wireless signal of a transmitterlocated in the evacuation door; using the proximity of the phone signalto the Bluetooth signal of a transmitter located on the evacuation door;or with any device that can transmit and receive signals. Embodiments ofthe invention use any of the foregoing techniques to create a dynamicmap of the location of workforce personnel, trained responders,emergency equipment, exit doors, etc.

Role-Based Task Generation

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing an example of how the role-baseddetails are lifted out of the emergency response protocol andtransmitted to the appropriate role based individual in an emergency,where an electronic site survey generates organization specificemergency response protocols that detail role-based tasks according tothe invention.

In FIG. 10, the top screen is a sample frame of an electronic sitesurvey that is completed by an organization. Authorized personnelcomplete text screens in answer to questions that reflect the customizedinformation that is included in their emergency response policies,procedures, plans, and protocols. For example, in #51, the organizationstates that the phone number that must be dialed to reach an outsideline and call 911 is actually 9-911. This phone number is incorporatedinto their Emergency Response Protocol (bottom screen on the right inFIG. 10). This field is transmitted to the mobile application toindividuals who are attempting to initiate a call to 911 from a companylandline.

In example #53, the initial tasks of the Incident Commander aredetermined and typed into the electronic site survey (top of FIG. 10) bythe incident commander or his designee who is authorized to develop theorganization's policies and procedures. Once it is confirmed that theseare the organizational IC's initial responsibilities in an emergency,they are incorporated into the organization's emergency response plan(top frame in lower half of page on the right In FIG. 10). At the timeof an emergency, these tasks are transmitted to the IC on his mobileapplication, upon confirmation of receipt of notification of anemergency from a bystander and/or witness for an emergency that requiresinitiation of a command structure.

Alert Cancellation

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the cancellation of an alert accordingto the invention. In FIG. 11 if an alert is to be cancelled 60, the APPprovides a message the bystander 62 advising the bystander that thealert can be cancelled. A button 64 can then be selected by thebystander to cancel the alert.

If the bystander did not intend to cancel the alert, the cancellationcan be rescinded by pressing a button, e.g. press green to re-alert theemergency responders. The alert is then reinstituted. For example,during an alert the system alerts the bystander to take an action (200),such as applying CPR if trained or willing to do so. The systems recordsthat time at which the first responder is on the scene (202). The APPprovides a button for the bystander to press indicating the arrival ofthe first responder. The system also records such activities as theattaching of an AED to the victim (204). Again, a button can be pressedby the bystander to indicate this action has taken place. The systemalso records when an EMS arrives (206). Again, a button can be pressedby the bystander to indicate this event has taken place. Thereafter, thealert is completed (208).

The APP

The APP is a mobile application that alerts all trained first respondersto the scene of an emergency, such as a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) ormedical emergency. Users may be certified trained responders orlaypersons. For example, consider the following participants in a suddencardiac arrest (SCA) or medical emergency:

-   -   1. The victim of the medical emergency;    -   2. Bystanders to the event, whether laypersons or trained        responders; and    -   3. Certified first responders who are not at the event.

Embodiments of the invention include:

Real Life Event

As part of an organization's emergency response plan, the generalworkforce downloads and initially registers the mobile application.Bystanders to the event activate the APP and verify the event location.If the event occurs at the location for which the bystander originallyregistered, then the bystander types in the specific location of theevent into provided field. If the bystander is at a different location,then a drop down menu is provided for an alternative facility where thebystander is now located. (In embodiments of the invention, GPS is usedas first determinant of location and, if it is not available, then thesystem falls back on a pre-configured location, and the user must changelocation by a drop down menu.

The APP communicates the location of the emergency to the database andrules engine system via a Web service. The rules engine uses analgorithm and searches the specified company and facility for aprioritized call-to-action list of certified first responders. Inembodiments of the invention, the order of priority of called respondersis the most recently trained responders, certified responders, certifiedtrainees, and trainees requiring re-certification. The Web servicecompiles a list of the certified first responders in order of mostrecent skills dates, i.e. certification dates, to least recent skillsdates.

The system sends both an email and a text message to these certifiedfirst responders at the facility. To send the email or a text message,the APP sends a request to the Web service. The Web service sends outthe emails through, for example, SMTP. The SMS gateway captures theoriginal call-to-action ID and establishes communication between thebystander and the facility alerted responders. Each responder receivesmultiple alerts via SMS and emails to ensure that this notification isunique from typical SMS/email reception. Upon receiving an alert, theresponder replies via SMS/email if they are on the way. The bystanderreceives a notification on their smartphone, tablet, etc. of the numberof responders that have been alerted and the number of responders thatare on the way. The APP performs tracking of the event's vital clinicalperformance milestones, such as time to first responder arrival; time toAED Pad attachment; and time to EMS arrival.

Facility Wide Drill

This function allows trained responders to practice their facility'semergency response plan and has the same functionality as a real lifeevent, except that the actual content of the email and text alerts says“THIS IS A DRILL.” Text messages and email are only sent one time.

Drill Code Option

This embodiment of the invention provides the same functionality as thefacility wide drill, except this embodiment is class specific and isused during a training class. This means that the APP is activated andmessages are sent to a specific subset of people. Rather than thealgorithm pulling certification dates and sorting responders to receivealerts, the participants all enter a specific drill code. Those enteringthe drill code receive the email and text. The email and text are sentas many times as the APP button is pushed. This drill code can be usedregardless of company or facility. Thus, trainees from different sitescan train together and get alerts.

Operation

Critical to the viability of the APP is the availability of the databaseand rules engine system that stores the physical facilities and thecertified responders who are located at each facility. Responders mustcomplete regular training and drills which are tracked in the databaseand rules engine system.

Responders receive certifications in areas such as CPR, First Aid, andAED response. Response planning is structured to ensure adequateresponse time from one or more trained responders within the physicallocation.

As part of a program rollout at a facility, employees of an organizationare encouraged to download and install the mobile APP on their phones.Registration and downloading the App requires that the user enter, forexample, a code specific to a certain company. Based on this code, amenu of locations is provided, allowing the user to select theappropriate facility. The list of locations is retrieved from a centralWeb service over the public Internet. The Web service uses the databaseand rules engine system to retrieve the list of facilities using thecompany code.

Once the location is selected, the user also provides his name, emailaddress, and phone number to register the APP. The registrationinformation is passed to the database and rules engine system viaanother Web service. The information is also stored on the user's phoneor tablet. More information about the responders and other members ofthe emergency response team is stored in the database, but it is notnecessarily related to registration for the APP. For example, suchinformation is retrieved based on the individual's role as defined inthe database. In fact, in embodiments of the invention responders do notneed to have the APP to be contacted. They are automatically contactedonce an alert is sent to the database, based on the rules enginedetermining who is required for the emergency, which is pre-configuredby role in the database. Responders are identified in the database, forexample, by their email address, cell phone number, name, company, andfacility. All of the above information is stored based on identifyingthe individual in this way, i.e. their training status, their role, and,therefore, the information that they are to receive.

Although responders do not have to be registered to be notified in caseof an emergency they must be registered to send an alert themselves.

In embodiments of the invention, users of the APP are either any ofuntrained general workforce members who serve as the witness orbystander of the emergency and initiated the notification process and/orinitiate the emergency response plan, and trained responders who mayalso witness an emergency.

Subsequent launching of the APP bypasses the registration process andthe user is immediately prompted, “Do you have an Emergency?”, to whichthe user can answer “Yes,” “No,” or “Drill.” If the user answers “Yes,”a screen with a large button is presented, that initiates the medicalresponse protocol. Prior to pressing the button, the user can verifytheir location or enter specific location information, e.g. via touch ordictation. Answering “No” allows users to obtain non-emergencyinformation or change their registration information. Answering “Drill”is discussed below.

When the button is pressed, the notification process begins. The APPinvokes another network Web service, including the location, phonenumber, and name of the initiator. The Web service logs an incident inthe database and rules engine system and then retrieves a list ofpotential responders using the certification data for the facility. Theresponder list is sorted so that most recently certified responders areat the top of the list and added to a messaging system queue. Theservice then returns the number of notifications that are queued and theinitiator is told how many messages were sent.

The messaging system sends medical alert text messages to responderphones and also sends email messages as a back-up. The responders do notneed an APP to receive these messages. The messaging system interactswith a third-party SMS gateway using its public API to transmit theactual messages. The gateway is configured with a pool of phone numbersand the messaging system transmits the text messages by rotating throughthe phone numbers pool. This allows transmission of hundreds ofemergency notifications within seconds, without drops from phone systemcarriers, seconds that are critical for a cardiac event. The textmessage notification includes a prompt to “reply Yes if you willrespond” and the SMS gateway is configured to invoke a Web service whenit receives such a response. This Web service tracks the responses andsends additional text messages back to the initiator, letting theinitiator know that a responder is en route.

After initiating the event notification, the mobile APP user is taken toprogressive screens where further progress is tracked. The user isprompted to call the 911 service, then asked to push buttonsprogressively, e.g. when the responder arrives, when a defibrillator(AED) is attached, and when EMS arrives. Each of these actions interactswith the Web services to record these events along with associatedtimestamps in the database and rules engine system. Over time, thisallows data about such events to be collected, which can be analyzed andsummarized to produce response rate studies. The user may also cancel anincident if the notification system was initiated in error. As with theinitial notification, a Web service is invoked which determines the listof responders and, in the same manner as before, cancellation messagesare sent to the responders.

It is important to practice emergency response events regularly usingdrills. After registration has been completed, the user also has theoption to select “Drill” when launching the mobile APP. As discussedabove, there are two types of drills, a facility-wide drill and aclassroom drill using a drill code. After pressing “Drill” the user isprompted to enter a drill code for a classroom drill, or leave it blankfor a facility-wide drill. The facility wide drill is identical to theactual incident notification process described above, except that thenotifications clearly include “THIS IS A DRILL” in the text.

The classroom drill requires the instructor or drill coordinator toprovide a drill code to all of the participants. The mobile APP userscan then enter the drill code and join the drill either as an eventinitiator or responder. The APP transmits the phone numbers to a Webservice which tracks drill codes and participants in the database andrules engine system. Initiators are then taken to through the samescreens described above, with the button to begin the notifications.However, the drill code is included in the incident notification Webservice and, instead of retrieving all responders at a particularfacility, it retrieves only those responders associated with the drillcode. In this mode, only the drill code is used for selectingresponders.

The drill responders can be selected from across multiple facilities.Drill codes have a limited validity period, e.g. 30 minutes, dependingon the class timeframe. Responders are not notified if they joined thedrill during a period that has lapsed.

User Interface

FIG. 12-17 are screen shots showing various user screens provided by theAPP during an emergency.

Do you have an emergency? See FIG. 12.

This screen asks the user if they have an emergency and presents themwith two options, yes or no. By clicking on the “yes” button the userstarts the emergency response sequence. If the user chooses the “no”option they are taken to ta menu that provides three choices to learnmore about the APP, the AED program, or CPR/AED training.

EU-Alert Information Menu

By clicking on the “no” option in the “do you have an emergency screen”the user taken to this screen which has three informative options whichare identical to the “thank you for registering screen.”

Emergency Alert Initiated. See FIG. 13.

Initiate the emergency response plan by yelling out Medical Emergency!!We need a responder!! To proceed to the next step press the “nextbutton.”

Notify Your Trained Emergency Responders. See FIG. 14.

Ensure that correct site is highlighted in the drop down menu. Provide aspecific location in the second data field and press the green button tosend out the alert to nearby responders.

Emergency Alert Confirmation. See FIG. 15.

Press the green button to automatically call 911 and alert the local EMSabout the event. If someone else is calling 911, or the local EMS havealready been notified, press the purple button. If the user wishes tocancel the alert, press the blue button in the top right corner of thescreen.

Start CPR. See FIG. 16.

If you are qualified to perform CPR please begin to do so immediately.Once the responders arrive with the AED please press the green button inthe middle to move on to the next screen. The user also has the optionto cancel the alert for any reason by pressing the blue “cancel alert”button in the top right corner of the screen.

Attach AED. See FIG. 17.

When the responders arrive with the AED in hand, make sure to properlyattach the device to the victim as quickly as possible. Once this hasbeen completed press the green button in the middle of the screen tomove on to the next step. If the user needs to cancel the alert, pressthe blue button in the top right corner.

Confirm EMS

Once EMS arrives at the scene press the green button in the middle tocomplete the alert.

Computer Implementation

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a computer system that may be used toimplement certain features of some of the embodiments of the invention.The computer system may be a server computer, a client computer, apersonal computer (PC), a user device, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aniPad, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a Web appliance, a networkrouter, switch or bridge, a console, a hand-held console, a (hand-held)gaming device, a music player, any portable, mobile, hand-held device,wearable device, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions, sequential or otherwise, that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

The computing system 40 may include one or more central processing units(“processors”) 45, memory 41, input/output devices 44, e.g. keyboard andpointing devices, touch devices, display devices, storage devices 42,e.g. disk drives, and network adapters 43, e.g. network interfaces, thatare connected to an interconnect 46.

In FIG. 18, the interconnect is illustrated as an abstraction thatrepresents any one or more separate physical buses, point-to-pointconnections, or both connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, orcontrollers. The interconnect, therefore, may include, for example asystem bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or PCI-Expressbus, a Hyper Transport or industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, asmall computer system interface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus(USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or an Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) standard 1394 bus, also referred to as Firewire.

The memory 41 and storage devices 42 are computer-readable storage mediathat may store instructions that implement at least portions of thevarious embodiments of the invention. In addition, the data structuresand message structures may be stored or transmitted via a datatransmission medium, e.g. a signal on a communications link. Variouscommunications links may be used, e.g. the Internet, a local areanetwork, a wide area network, or a point-to-point dial-up connection.Thus, computer readable media can include computer-readable storagemedia, e.g. non-transitory media, and computer-readable transmissionmedia.

The instructions stored in memory 41 can be implemented as softwareand/or firmware to program one or more processors to carry out theactions described above. In some embodiments of the invention, suchsoftware or firmware may be initially provided to the processing system40 by downloading it from a remote system through the computing system,e.g. via the network adapter 43.

The various embodiments of the invention introduced herein can beimplemented by, for example, programmable circuitry, e.g. one or moremicroprocessors, programmed with software and/or firmware, entirely inspecial-purpose hardwired, i.e. non-programmable, circuitry, or in acombination of such forms. Special-purpose hardwired circuitry may be inthe form of, for example, one or more ASICs, PLDs, FPGAs, etc.

Although the invention is described herein with reference to thepreferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat other applications may be substituted for those set forth hereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For example, embodiments of the invention apply rules to identify theoperational status of emergency equipment based on identifyingparameters, including most recent successful maintenance inspection,most recent confirmation of GPS location, expiration date of AED pads,expiration date of AED batteries, other expiration dates checked in caseof other equipment. See U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.61/892,836, filed Oct. 18, 2013, which application is incorporatedherein in its entirety by this reference thereto.

Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims includedbelow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer implemented method for routingcommunications signals in response to an emergency, comprising:providing a processor executing instructions for receiving an inputsignal comprising an initial notification transmitted by a bystanderwithin a facility and indicating that there is an emergency;independently of a central emergency medical services (EMS) notificationsystem, said processor receiving said input signal and extractingtherefrom content from said bystander comprising identification of aspecific location of said emergency and identification of said emergencytype; said processor applying rules to said extracted content toidentify type of emergency, role of responder, required equipment,organizational capabilities, and organizational structure; saidprocessor further applying said rules to said extracted content toidentify appropriate laypersons within said facility who are trainedresponders for said emergency within said facility; said processorfurther automatically identifying from among said identified appropriatelaypersons those trained responders who are most qualified to respond tosaid emergency based upon the type of said emergency, and prioritizingsaid identified most qualified trained responders based upon theirtraining and preparation; responsive to said application of said rules,said processor generating an output signal; and independently of saidcentral notification system, said processor applying said output signalto generate a prioritized alert signal for transmission directly to saidtrained responders of said emergency based upon the quality of saidresponders' training and preparation, said alert comprising saidemergency type and said emergency location; said processor applyingrules to identify location and operational status of emergency equipmentbased on parameters that include any of most recent successfulmaintenance inspection, expiration dates that are relevant to criticalequipment, components, supplies, and medication that require routinereplacement due to their age and/or expiration date; and said processorapplying rules to provide notifications to trained responders who haveindicated they are responding identifying nearest appropriate emergencyequipment.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: when GPS isavailable, said processor using emergency event GPS location anddynamically comparing said emergency event GPS location with a closestfacility as determined by GPS to identify appropriate trainedresponders; and when GPS is not available said processor usingpre-configured location data.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor applying further rules to identify locationand operational status of emergency equipment based on parameters thatinclude most recent confirmation of GPS location.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising: said processor receiving a confirming responsefrom trained responders who respond to said alert; and said processorproviding a notification to said bystander indicating receipt of saidnotification from said trained responders who respond to said alert. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising: said processor using multiplereal-time notification channels to immediately communicate between saidbystander and said responder.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: responsive to any of said initial notification and saidcontent, said processor providing said bystander with any of specifictext-based, graphic, video, and voice instructions on actions to performin response to said emergency.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor providing communication and activity trackingof all communications and times at which actions are taken.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: said processor customizing saidrules to alert one or more trained responders to provide any function inconnection with said emergency.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor applying said rules to provide directnotification to 911 of said emergency.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein said rules comprise any of training level, certification,competency, and proximity.
 11. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor receiving GPS location information foremergency equipment and confirmation that said emergency equipment isoperational.
 12. The method of claim 4, further comprising: saidemergency comprising a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA); and any of saidprocessor using geo-location to identify said trained responders basedon their location when providing said confirming response; saidprocessor providing identification of AEDs based upon said rules,proximity, and operational readiness; said processor providingnotifications to said trained responders identifying a nearest AEDsprioritized by said rules and proximity; and said processor providingcommunication and activity tracking of any of time a responder arrived,if and when an AED is attached, and when an EMS arrived.
 13. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: said processor communicatinginstructions to individuals based on any of a type of emergency,organizational structure, pre-defined roles, equipment availability,training and experience, and an organization's emergency policies,procedures, protocols, and emergency response plans.
 14. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: said processor exchanging information withindividual workforce members comprising any of notification to evacuate,where to evacuate to, confirmation of receipt of notification byworkforce, evacuation from building confirmation, arrival at assemblypoint confirmation, and notification of individual workforce members whohave issued a distress notification.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: said processor providing an incident commander withaggregate, continually updated reports of individuals who havesuccessfully evacuated by points of evacuation; receipt of notification,including GPS location; evacuation from building, with new GPS location;and arrival at assembly point by GPS location.
 16. The method of claim1, further comprising: said processor providing an incident commanderwith distress notifications from individual workforce members; saidprocessor triaging said distress notifications to security and emergencyresponse team members.
 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:said processor providing an incident commander with aggregate,continually updated reports of distress notification by degree of triageassigned.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: identifyingevacuation exits with a transmitted signal to direct workforce membersto a nearest evacuation exit, said signal comprising any of Wi-Fi-basedIP addresses, Bluetooth, radio, satellite, pre-placed transmissionequipment proximate to said exits, Wi-Fi-based signals transmitted fromexit doors at said exits, Wi-Fi signals from a nearest router.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: locating non-evacuatingpersonnel with a transmitted signal, said signal comprising any ofWi-Fi-based IP addresses, Bluetooth, radio, satellite, pre-placedtransmission equipment proximate to said exits, Wi-Fi-based signalstransmitted from exit doors at said exits, Wi-Fi signals from a nearestrouter, said signal further comprising instructions in any of text andgraphic format to said non-evacuating personnel directing them to anearest exit.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: saidprocessor providing any of coded or time-limited coded drills fordesignated responders, or classes and non-coded, facility wide drills tosimulate actual emergencies.
 21. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor tracking and reporting all communications andactions of each emergency incident.
 22. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: said processor incorporating time-based prompts to ensurenecessary individuals are notified, and necessary actions are timelyperformed.
 23. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said processorascertaining whether a workforce member whose cell phone is turned on isstill in a facility if said workforce member has not confirmed receiptof a notification.
 24. The method of claim 1, further comprising: saidprocessor informing said bystander how many responders have beennotified.
 25. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said processorapplying rules to identify an individual having known disabilities, asspecified during said individual's registration; and said processorissuing a pre-configured distress signal during an evacuation withspecific instructions for said trained responder, and location ofnearest appropriate equipment based upon the disability, to assist saidindividual with equipment necessary to ensure they are able to evacuatesaid individual.
 26. A computer implemented method for routingcommunications signals in response to an emergency, comprising:providing a processor executing instructions for receiving an inputsignal comprising an initial notification transmitted by a bystanderwithin a facility and indicating that there is a sudden cardiac arrest(SCA) emergency; independently of a central emergency medical services(EMS) notification system, said processor receiving said input signaland extracting therefrom content from said bystander comprisingidentification of a specific location of said SCA emergency; saidprocessor applying rules to said extracted content to identify type ofemergency, role of responder, required equipment, organizationalcapabilities, and organizational structure; said processor furtherapplying said rules to said extracted content to identify appropriatelaypersons within said facility who are trained responders for said SCAemergency within said facility; said processor further automaticallyidentifying from among said identified appropriate laypersons thosetrained responders who are most qualified to respond to said emergencybased upon the type of said emergency, and prioritizing said identifiedmost qualified trained responders based upon their training andpreparation; and independently of said central notification system, saidprocessor applying said output signal to generate a prioritized alertsignal for transmission directly to said trained responders of said SCAemergency based upon the quality of said responders' training andpreparation, said alert comprising said SCA emergency location; saidprocessor applying rules to identify location and operational status ofemergency equipment based on parameters that include any of most recentsuccessful maintenance inspection, expiration dates that are relevant tocritical equipment, components, supplies, and medication that requireroutine replacement due to their age and/or expiration date; and saidprocessor applying rules to provide notifications to trained responderswho have indicated they are responding identifying nearest appropriateemergency equipment.